Hi Everyone! Here's What’s Happening This Week!

A significant storm is on its way to Banff and Jasper, and it is not arriving quietly. A two-day system rolls in Thursday, bringing 10 to 20 cm to the national parks, before a second round on Friday pushes totals to between 15 and 30 cm across the Rockies. Wind gusts are forecast at up to 80 km/h. If you are travelling this weekend, it is worth knowing that before you go.

Also this week, Alberta made some quiet changes to provincial park boundaries around Fortress, Nakiska, and Castle Mountain ski resorts - absorbing over 1,000 hectares of park land under the All-Seasons Resorts Act with no public consultation. Conservation groups and the local MLA have noticed.

On a lighter note, the Canmore Skating Club is turning the rink into something closer to a theatre. Olympian Keegan Messing is joining local skaters for a figure skating show about Canada's story, complete with professional lighting and on-ice seating. A reasonable indoor option if the storm has other ideas for your weekend.

There is plenty more happening this week. Dive into the event listings below, or check out the detailed events page on our website.

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For many visitors, seeing Moraine Lake means juggling shuttle bookings and tight time windows. Staying at Moraine Lake Lodge removes that altogether. Guests are able to drive directly to the lake, which makes arrival simpler and gives you far more flexibility during your stay.

But the biggest benefit comes at the end of the day. Once the daytime crowds thin out and the last shuttles leave, the area regains a sense of space and quiet. Being on site gives you a rare chance to enjoy Moraine Lake without the chaos of the crowds.

πŸ”οΈ Fresh from the Rockies

🌨️ Big snow forecast for Banff and Jasper this week. A two-day storm arriving Thursday brings 10 to 20 cm to the national parks, with a second round on Friday potentially dumping 15 to 30 cm across the Rockies and wind gusts up to 80 km/h. Good weekend to already be here.

⛸️ Canmore Skating Club turns the rink into a theatre. Local Bow Valley skaters and Olympian Keegan Messing perform a figure skating show telling the story of Canada, with professional lighting, music, and on-ice seating. Patriotism on blades.

πŸ”οΈ Alberta quietly redrew park boundaries for three ski resorts. Fortress, Nakiska, and Castle absorbed over 1,000 hectares of provincial park land under the All-Seasons Resorts Act, with no public consultation. Conservation groups and the local MLA are not taking it quietly.

πŸ”οΈ Spray Lakes Road closing Wednesday for avalanche control. Hwy 742 will be shut between Grassi Lakes and Goat Creek from 9 a.m. on 25 February for work on the East End of Rundle. Reopening is estimated at 1 p.m.

🚌 Parking fees are buying a new Roam bus route. Revenue from Visitor Pay Parking is funding a winter shuttle, launching March 1, linking downtown with the Fenlands Recreation Centre and Banff Centre. Visitors pay to park so locals can ride to the gym.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

πŸ† Peaks Hotel & Suites is the top-rated stay in Banff. Located just steps from Banff Avenue, this central retreat offers quiet, modern comfort with contact-free check-in and underground parking. Enjoy nearby access to pools and steam rooms at Banff Park Lodge. Check it out for yourself here.

🍳 Hotels With Kitchens: Eat In, Spend Less, Sleep Better

Banff's restaurants are excellent, expensive, and often booked solid by people who planned further ahead than you did. These three hotels come with proper kitchens, which quietly solves several problems at once.

πŸ«™ Moose Hotel & Suites - Right on Banff Avenue, which sounds like a liability until you realise you can stumble back with dinner supplies, without moving your car again until checkout. The suites have full kitchens and rooftop pools, and the location means you're already where everyone else is paying to park. Read The Reviews | Book Here

🌲 Hidden Ridge Resort - Perched above town on Tunnel Mountain, these condo-style units have full kitchens, fireplaces, and enough square footage that a family of four won't start hating each other by day two. The shuttle into town runs regularly, which is genuinely preferable to driving once you've seen the parking situation on a Saturday in July. Read The Reviews | Book Here

πŸͺ΅ Baker Creek Mountain Resort - Sitting quietly between Banff and Lake Louise along the Bow Valley Parkway, this one opts out of the town centre scramble entirely. The log chalets have kitchenettes, the wildlife corridor runs right past the property, and the slower road means you'll see more elk than tour buses. A sensible base if your itinerary leans toward the backcountry rather than the high street. Read The Reviews | Book Here

❓Your Questions Answered

🚠How do I choose the best gondola ride? Some lifts are about wildlife, others about altitude, and one's perfect for date night. Find your ideal Banff gondola experience.

🌞Is July a good time to visit Banff? It is one of the best months - long days, warm weather, and trails at their peak - though a little planning goes a long way.

πŸš™Are there any free parking options in Banff? Yes, read our guide to find out where.

🚣Activities You Might Enjoy

🍽️ Castle Food Experience at Banff Springs Hotel - Explore the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs with a storytelling guide while sampling five food and drink pairings from over 25 local Alberta farms. Behind-the-scenes kitchen access included.

πŸ›Ά Lake Louise Guided Canoe & Moraine Lake Tour - Paddle across those famous turquoise waters at Lake Louise, then head over to Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Transport, canoe gear, and a local guide all sorted for you. Your next adventure.

🚑 Banff Gondola Ride - Soar to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a sleek 4-person cabin and soak up views across six mountain ranges. Stroll the ridge boardwalk and take in those 360-degree panoramas with barely any effort.

πŸ•οΈ Quiz

What is the maximum speed limit on most sections of the Trans-Canada Highway through Banff National Park?

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Yesterday’s Question: Which canyon is shown in this photo, located along the Icefields Parkway?

βœ…Answer: 4) Mistaya Canyon - 38% Correct

Mistaya Canyon is a popular stop on the parkway; if you are looking for something closer to Banff, Johnston Canyon is a great option.

Being in a narrow canyon at night in the middle of winter isn’t something most people would attempt on their own, and that’s exactly where an evening guided tour makes sense. With a guide leading the way, equipment provided, and transport from Banff included, you can relax and enjoy the experience.

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

πŸ“… Today’s Events are listed below. To view future events, visit our website.

Wednesday, February 25

15:00 | Live Music Afternoon | Three Bears | Banff

15:30 | Park Distillery Tour | Park Distillery | Banff

18:00 | Paint the Peaks | Wild Life Distillery | Canmore

18:30 | Avalanches for Beginners | Canmore Museum | Canmore

19:00 | Trivia with TENAX | Banff Legion | Banff

19:00 | Open Mic Night | The Local | Canmore

20:30 | Trivia Night | Tavern 1883 | Canmore

21:00 | Open Mic/Jam Night | Rose & Crown | Canmore

22:00 | Late Night DJ Set | High Rollers | Banff

22:00 | Tommy's Open Mic | Tommy's Pub | Banff

22:00 | DJ Raven | Rose & Crown | Banff

22:00 | Noche Caliente: Latin Night | Banff Sizzlers | Banff

πŸ“… Got An Event To Share?

πŸ“… Submit Here (8 days before event date)
Complete starred sections. For a FREE LISTING, check the box on the promotions page.

πŸ‘‹ That’s All For Now 🎬

Another week of mountain magic awaits!
We're so glad you're here for the ride.
Keep exploring and sharing, and we'll see you in the next issue with another full lineup of Banff happenings.

Jill & Kevin | Editor | What’s On Banff

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